Overview

• Police said the 54-year-old pilot, identified as Paul Smith, died when a Pilatus Porter crashed into bushland about 2 kilometres north of Moruya Airport shortly after 2pm Saturday.
• The aircraft was returning from a skydiving run after eight jumpers exited and landed safely, according to the Australian Parachute Federation.
• The ATSB has deployed investigators from Canberra and Brisbane to survey the wreckage, recover components, review flight and maintenance records, and interview witnesses.
• Angus Mitchell of the ATSB noted reports of unusual sounds and flight behaviour before the crash, and authorities are seeking witness video and weather information to aid the inquiry.
• Officials said the circa‑1980 single‑engine plane was imported to Australia about six weeks ago following a substantive maintenance check, and police have established a scene with a report to be prepared for the coroner.